Bodegas Xalo - Wine Tasting in the Moscatel Valley
A cooperative winery with over 60 years of tradition, tastings, and wines at producer prices
Bodegas Xalo is a traditional cooperative winery in the Jalon Valley (Xalo) on the Costa Blanca, renowned for producing wines from the Moscatel grape. Founded in 1962, it is one of the oldest wine cooperatives in the province of Alicante. The winery sits in a picturesque valley surrounded by mountains, approximately 80 km from Gran Alacant. During your visit you can take part in a tasting of several wine varieties paired with local tapas, tour the cellars, and learn about the production process from grape harvest to bottling. The factory shop offers wines at producer prices, and a tasting with refreshments costs approximately 15-20 euros per person.
Why Visit Bodegas Xalo?
• One of the oldest cooperatives - over 60 years of winemaking tradition
• Professional wine tasting - sample several varieties with a guide
• Wine and food pairing - local tapas, Manchego cheese, and olives
• See the production process - from grape harvest to bottling
• Tours in multiple languages - Spanish, English, and German
• Factory shop - wines at producer prices from just 3 EUR
Bodegas Xalo is a hidden gem of the Costa Blanca. Located in the stunning Jalon Valley surrounded by mountains and vineyards, this cooperative winery has been producing exceptional wines since 1962. The star of the estate is Moscatel de Alejandria - a fragrant, sweet white grape that thrives in the unique microclimate of the valley. A visit to Bodegas Xalo is a perfect day trip from Gran Alacant, combining scenic driving through the mountains with a memorable culinary experience.
What Makes the Jalon Valley and Its Vineyards Special?
The Jalon Valley (Vall de Pop) is one of the most important wine-growing regions on the Costa Blanca. Situated at 300-400 metres above sea level, it benefits from a unique microclimate with warm days, cool nights, and low rainfall - ideal conditions for growing aromatic grapes.
Grape Varieties
- • Moscatel de Alejandria - the flagship grape
- • Monastrell - for full-bodied reds
- • Garnacha Tintorera - deep colour and flavour
- • Merseguera - local white variety
Wine Types
- • Aromatic whites for seafood
- • Full-bodied reds aged in oak
- • Mistela - traditional sweet liqueur
- • Artisanal vermouth with local herbs
What Does a Tour and Tasting at Bodegas Xalo Look Like?
Cellar Tour
A professional guide leads you through the production facilities, explaining each stage of winemaking from grape reception and pressing through fermentation in stainless-steel tanks to ageing in Spanish oak barrels. You will see the bottling line and learn about quality control and the Denominacion de Origen Alicante certification process.
Wine Tasting
The tasting is the highlight of every visit. You sample several wines under the guidance of a sommelier who explains the characteristics of each variety. The session covers:
- • Recognising aromas and bouquet
- • Differences between grape varieties
- • Proper serving temperatures
- • Ideal food pairings
Food Pairing
Every tasting includes carefully selected local tapas - aged Manchego cheese, marinated olives, extra virgin olive oil from surrounding groves, artisan bread, and seasonal cured meats. The guide explains which wine pairs best with each dish for the full flavour experience.
Factory Shop
After the tasting, visit the spacious factory shop where you can purchase the full range of Bodegas Xalo wines at producer prices. Bottles start from just 3 euros for table wines, while reserve and premium vintages cost 8-15 euros. Gift sets in wooden crates make perfect souvenirs.
What Practical Information Do You Need Before Visiting Bodegas Xalo?
Tasting Schedule
Wednesdays: Organised tastings with guide
Weekends: Saturdays and Sundays year-round
Advance reservation required
Minimum 2 people, maximum 20 per session
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Pricing
Tasting with refreshments: 15-20 EUR/person
Reservation: Required (phone or email)
Cancellation: Free up to 24h before
Minimum age: 18 years for tasting
Designated driver? Non-alcoholic options available
Getting There
By car: 80 km from Gran Alacant (60-70 min)
Route: AP-7 towards Benidorm, then CV-750 to Xalo
Address: Carrer dels Sants de la Pedra 2, 03727 Xalo
Phone: Available on the official website
Email: Available on the official website
Website: bodegasxalo.com
Free parking for cars and coaches
Combine with Saturday market in Xalo town
Shop Hours
Monday-Friday: 9:00-14:00 and 16:00-19:00
Saturday: 9:00-14:00 and 16:00-19:00
Sunday: Closed (tastings by reservation only)
Shop accessible without a tasting booking
Wines can also be ordered online
Tips for Visitors
• Book in advance: Reservation is required for tastings (phone or email)
• Be punctual: Tours start on time and late arrivals may miss part of the visit
• Designate a driver: If driving, ensure one person stays sober for the return trip
• Languages available: Spanish, English, and German
• Pets: Not permitted inside the winery
• Minimum group: 2 people required for a tasting session
• Stock up: Prices in the shop are far below retail - buy extra bottles!
• Photography: Allowed throughout, ask before photographing staff
Where to Take the Best Photos at Bodegas Xalo?
The Wine Cellars
Rows of oak barrels in atmospheric lighting - perfect for dramatic shots
The Tasting Table
Wine glasses, tapas, and rustic wooden tables - ideal food photography
The Vineyard Views
Panoramic valley with rows of vines and mountain backdrop
The Winery Entrance
The historic cooperative building with the Bodegas Xalo logo
What Else to See Near Bodegas Xalo
• Xalo village: Charming streets, Saturday market with local crafts and antiques
• Other wineries: Several small family wineries in the Jalon Valley
• Mountain villages: Lliber, Alcalali, Parcent - traditional inland towns
• Sierra de Bernia: Spectacular hiking trails with coastal views
• Local restaurants: Traditional Valencian cuisine in the valley villages
Why Choose Bodegas Xalo
Bodegas Xalo offers an authentic winemaking experience away from the tourist crowds. As a cooperative winery, it represents the collective knowledge and passion of local vine growers who have worked this land for generations.
The Jalon Valley location provides a stunning natural setting that enhances the wine tasting experience. The drive alone through the mountains is worth the trip.
With producer-direct pricing and expert-led tastings, Bodegas Xalo delivers exceptional value. Where else can you buy award-winning Moscatel for 3 euros a bottle?
Visitors consistently rate the experience highly on Google and TripAdvisor, praising the knowledgeable guides, generous portions of tapas, and the warm hospitality typical of inland Spain.
Rafał Prońko
Właściciel Brisa Alacant
Właściciel apartamentu wakacyjnego Brisa Alacant od 2023 roku, regularnie odwiedzam Costa Blanca i znam region z własnych doświadczeń. Wszystkie miejsca opisane na blogu odwiedziłem osobiście — zdjęcia i porady pochodzą z moich własnych wizyt. Pomagam gościom odkrywać najlepsze atrakcje regionu Alicante.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a tasting at Bodegas Xalo cost?
A wine tasting with refreshments at Bodegas Xalo costs approximately 15 to 20 euros per person. The price includes a full winery tour with a professional guide who leads you through the cellars and thoroughly explains the entire wine production process from hand-picking the grapes through to bottling and labelling. During the tasting you sample several types of wine, including the flagship Moscatel de Alejandria, red wines from the Monastrell grape, sweet Mistela, and aromatic vermouth. The wine is accompanied by carefully selected local snacks consisting of tapas, aged Manchego cheese, marinated olives, and extra virgin olive oil from surrounding groves. Advance reservation is required by phone or email, and the minimum group size is 2 people. For groups larger than 10 the winery offers special pricing and an extended programme with additional refreshments and a personalised tour. Payment is accepted in cash or by card. The entire visit including the tasting lasts approximately 1.5 to 2 hours and is available in Spanish, English, and German.
What wines does Bodegas Xalo produce?
Bodegas Xalo specialises primarily in wines from the Moscatel de Alejandria grape, which is the hallmark of the Jalon Valley and the entire Marina Alta region on the Costa Blanca. In addition to Moscatel the winery produces wines from the Monastrell, Garnacha Tintorera, and Merseguera varieties. The range includes aromatic white wines ideal for seafood and light salads, full-bodied red wines aged in Spanish oak barrels, sweet Mistela which is a traditional wine liqueur of the Alicante region, and artisanal vermouths made with local herbs and aromatic Mediterranean spices. The winery holds the Denominacion de Origen Alicante certificate, guaranteeing the highest quality and regional authenticity of every bottle. Production relies on traditional methods passed down through generations, using grapes harvested by hand from surrounding vineyards situated at 300 to 400 metres above sea level. Vintages of Moscatel from years with low rainfall are particularly prized for their more intense flavour and aroma.
How do you get to Bodegas Xalo from Gran Alacant?
From Gran Alacant to Bodegas Xalo drive along the AP-7 motorway towards Benidorm, then exit onto the CV-750 road leading directly to the town of Xalo, also known as Jalon. The total journey by car takes approximately 60 to 70 minutes covering 80 kilometres. The route is comfortable, well signposted, and passes through one of the most picturesque valleys on the Costa Blanca, with panoramic views of extensive vineyards, silvery olive groves, and the imposing Sierra de Bernia mountain range. Ample free parking is available at the winery for both passenger cars and tourist coaches. The GPS address is Carrer dels Sants de la Pedra 2, 03727 Xalo, Alicante. Alternatively you can drive via the N-332 national road through Benidorm and then along local roads through the charming villages of Lliber and Alcalali. It is worth combining a visit to the winery with a stop in the town of Xalo, where a famous market of handicrafts, antiques, and fresh local produce from surrounding farmers takes place on Saturdays.
When is Bodegas Xalo open for tourists?
Organised tastings with a professional guide at Bodegas Xalo take place regularly on Wednesdays and at weekends, meaning Saturdays and Sundays, throughout the year. The winery shop is open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 19:00, with a break for the traditional Spanish siesta during the midday hours. On Sundays the shop remains closed, but pre-booked tastings proceed as scheduled. Advance telephone reservation is required using the number available on the winery official website, or by email. The minimum group size is 2 people and the maximum for a single tasting session is 20 people. A tasting visit lasts approximately 1.5 to 2 hours and includes a full tour of the cellars, sampling several types of wine, and a generous spread of local tapas. During the summer season from June to September the winery also organises evening tasting sessions on its picturesque terrace with sweeping views of the surrounding vineyards and mountains.
Can you buy wine on site at Bodegas Xalo?
Yes, Bodegas Xalo has a spacious factory shop with the full range of wines at very attractive producer prices, significantly lower than in retail shops, supermarkets, or wine bars along the coast. You can buy bottles of the flagship Moscatel de Alejandria, full-bodied red wines from the Monastrell grape, sweet Mistela which is a traditional regional liqueur, and artisanal vermouths with local herbs. Bottle prices start from as little as 3 euros for basic table wines, while exclusive vintages and reserve wines cost between 8 and 15 euros per bottle. The shop is open Monday to Saturday and is accessible without the need to participate in an organised tasting. Qualified staff are happy to advise on choosing the ideal wine for specific dishes or special occasions. The winery also offers elegant gift sets in wooden crates, ideal as a Costa Blanca souvenir for loved ones. Wines can be safely transported by car and by plane in checked luggage without risk of damage.
Źródła i odnośniki
- Bodegas Xalo - Cooperativa Vinicola(dostęp: 2026-02-27)
- Denominacion de Origen Alicante - Consejo Regulador(dostęp: 2026-02-27)
- Ruta del Vino de Alicante(dostęp: 2026-02-27)
- Turisme Comunitat Valenciana - Vall de Pop(dostęp: 2026-02-27)
Stay in Gran Alacant - The Perfect Costa Blanca Base!
After a day of wine tasting at Bodegas Xalo, return to your comfortable base in Gran Alacant. Our apartment offers the ideal starting point for exploring the vineyards, coastal towns, and all the attractions the Costa Blanca has to offer. From the Jalon Valley wines to Carabassi Beach sunsets - the perfect blend of culture, flavour, and relaxation!
Discover More Costa Blanca Flavours
After wine tasting at Xalo, continue your culinary journey along the Costa Blanca - visit the Valor Chocolate Museum in Villajoyosa, where a free tasting awaits. Heading back towards the interior, plan a visit to the spectacular Mercado Central in Alicante - a historic market with the freshest local produce.